As the euthanasia debate heats up in New Zealand, so has criticism of some of the advocacy, including material found in a Catholic cathedral. In Canada, people of faith have much to be critical about in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s edict about government funding for a summer jobs program. In Christchurch, a city still recovering from devastating earthquakes several years ago, a new church has offered a ray of sunshine, but it’s not so positive for Pope Francis when one looks at his work to tackle child sexual abuse — highlighted again on his recent trip to Chile. As always, Anna, Don, James and Gavin offer something a bit lighter after an intense but important discussion about some of the big Catholic stories of the month.

As 2018 gets under way, Pope Francis has been very clear in his advice to Vatican ambassadors — uphold the family and protect all life. He’s also been clear about people’s obligations to refugees and asylum-seekers, while acknowledging that some people can fear “the other”. In New Zealand, there’s a call for an inquiry into child abuse to include religious organisations, and in Australia, a new sculpture is causing a little confusion, but also raising awareness. Join Anna, Don, James and Gavin for the first episode of the year.

As New Zealanders prepare to vote in their national election, the issue of abortion — and the views of the Catholic Prime Minister — were put front and centre. Meanwhile, Pope Francis is seeking to empower local bishops’ conferences and protect the planet, through separate initiatives. In the US, religious affiliation numbers are seeing a drift away from Christianity and a rise of Latino Catholics. We’re not sure any of those faithful Catholics would choose to baptise their children in a sporting trophy, but an NHL champion has. Enjoy the show

All eyes will be on the Vatican later this month when Pope Francis plays host to President Donald Trump, with the discussion predicted to cover some uncomfortable territory for the latter. Closer to home, New Zealand Catholic education leaders are looking at how best to support “unChurched” young people in their quest for faith. Across the Tasman Sea in Sydney, it was supporting pregnant women that inspired pr0-life advocates to fight proposed abortion laws. Back in Europe, Pope Francis has canonised two of the Fatima visionaries on the 100th anniversary of the first apparitions. In between time, the Holy Father found time to record a TED talk, in which he spoke about the importance of leaders who had generosity and fairness in their hearts. Join Anna, Don, James and Gavin as they navigate those stories in this month’s episode.

It’s been a manic first (almost) month in the Trump presidency, and the US bishops have been both praising and criticising the President. In Australia, the bishops have been more focused on repentance, as damning statistics emerge about the extent of sexual abuse in the Church there. Back in New Zealand, there’s more analysis of the changing religious landscape and, internationally, there’s conjecture about a new translation of the Mass. But what would Jesus tweet? Catholic comedian Stephen Colbert offers his thoughts. Join Don, James and Gavin for the latest episode of The 15th Station.

Two big stories from New Zealand lead off the Christmas episode of The 15th Station. Following the surprise resignation of Prime Minister John Key, Bill English became the latest Catholic to hold the position, saying his faith is a big part of his life but won’t dictate his public policy. Another famous Catholic who spent a long time in Wellington, Mother Suzanne Aubert, was also in the news, as she was declared Venerable by Pope Francis, recognising her life of service among the poor and marginalised. Pope Francis’s comments on Communion for divorced and remarried Catholics and his ongoing support for the plight of refugees also grabbed headlines. But a new Catholic app hopes to grab people’s hearts and souls and encourage them back to the sacraments. Join James, Don and Gavin for a bumper episode to round out 2016.

It’s the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady — so that means it’s our birthday. The 15th Station celebrates nine years of podcasting with a show that opens with the shocking story of an elderly French priest’s murder at the hands of cowardly terrorists. As hard as it is to proceed from such horror, the Holy Father’s comments at World Youth Day and some forthright words from a seminary formation director help to refocus on the positivity of the Catholic faith. To show the joy of that faith, the Church needs great witnesses. And Pope Francis wants parish secretaries to be part of that number. Enjoy our birthday show!

The Syrian refugee crisis has dominated the world news, and it rightly leads this month’s episode of the podcast, including the reaction of the Pope and Catholic bishops around the world. Thankfully, governments around the world have responded to pressure from those leaders, and there is increasing support for those in such difficult circumstances. Other big stories from around the Catholic world include the Pope’s announced changes to absolution laws and annulment procedures, the New Zealand Government’s changes to Easter shopping laws and Donald Trump’s ideas about “scaring” Pope Francis. If that’s got you stressed out, maybe a relaxing nap atop a 55-metre-high wind turbine might be just what you need. Enjoy the show.

The panel kicks off the new year with a debate on the ongoing process of the expected canonisation of Blessed John Paul II. Is it happening too fast? How do we judge that? And what’s the purpose of sainthood? The billboard deemed not to have caused “widespread offence” is also discussed, along with the new reproductive health bill in the Philippines, passed against the Catholic bishops’ wishes. The Catholic ethos of Les Miserables and a wacky petition to have the Catholic Church designated a hate group round of the first show of 2013. Welcome back for the sixth full year of The 15th Station.

In this month’s episode, James and Gavin discuss the big news out of Australia: the establishment of a Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse, with the Catholic Church currently public enemy #1 in the country. There’s even a question over the possibility of a similar New Zealand inquiry. What has happened in New Zealand, though, is the “quiet” opening of a new abortion clinic. There wasn’t much quiet in the northern hemisphere, though, with the canonisation of seven new saints and the US bishops speaking on moral issues making a fair amount of noise. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, is this an apparition of Our Lady?

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The 15th Station is our active monthly news podcast. We get a panel of Kiwi Catholics together to provide a Catholic perspective on the news and current events of the month.

Catechiwi is our archived catechesis podcast where we get a guest theologian from around the country or the world to speak on an aspect of the Catholic Faith.

Ignition leverages our partnerships with organisations like Hearts Aflame to provide a back catalogue of amazing lectures and talks from international speakers. We divide these talks up into multi-part podcasts.